One Pan Balsamic Chicken – Juicy, Cheesy, and Bursting with Italian-Inspired Flavor

🎉 Introduction

When dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and satisfying, One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the kind of recipe that saves the day. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts, sweet roasted tomatoes, fragrant basil, and melty fresh mozzarella — all coated in a glossy balsamic glaze that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes perfectly.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The balsamic vinegar reduces with honey and Dijon mustard to create a rich sauce that clings to the chicken, while the tomatoes burst and release their natural sweetness into the pan.

This balsamic chicken recipe is ideal for:

• Busy weeknight dinners
• Family meals with minimal cleanup
• Meal prep with elegant flavor
• Anyone who loves one pan chicken recipes

If you enjoy Italian-inspired dinners, easy skillet meals, and bold but balanced flavors, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

🧰 Equipment Needed

To make perfect one pan balsamic chicken, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula
• Lid or foil (optional)

Tip: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet helps the sauce reduce evenly without burning.

🛒 Ingredients

Prepare and measure all ingredients before starting.

Protein

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fresh Ingredients

• 8 oz grape tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn

For the Balsamic Sauce

• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

Fats

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-heat oil)
• 2 tablespoons oil (for finishing, if needed)

Ingredient Notes:

• Fresh mozzarella melts gently and adds creamy richness.
• Honey softens the acidity of balsamic vinegar for a balanced glaze.

👩‍🍳 Directions

Follow these steps carefully for juicy, flavorful one pan balsamic chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with:
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Step 2: Make the Balsamic Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
• Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

• Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken breasts in a single layer.
• Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Remove chicken from the pan and set aside (do not fully cook yet).

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Reduce heat to medium.
• Add garlic to the skillet.
• Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Add grape tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes, until they begin to soften.

Step 5: Add the Balsamic Sauce

• Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet.
• Stir gently, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
• Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

• Place chicken breasts back into the skillet.
• Spoon sauce and tomatoes over the chicken.
• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Add Mozzarella

• Turn off heat.
• Place fresh mozzarella slices over each chicken breast.
• Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, allowing cheese to melt gently.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

• Sprinkle fresh basil over the dish.
• Drizzle lightly with additional oil if desired.
• Serve immediately.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

A complete, elegant meal made in one pan.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheating

• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat
• Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed

Tip: Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and mozzarella soft.

🥄 Variations

Customize your one pan balsamic chicken with these delicious ideas:

• Balsamic Chicken with Spinach
  • Add fresh spinach during the final simmer
• Extra Sweet Glaze
  • Increase honey by 1 tablespoon
• Herb-Forward Version
  • Add fresh thyme or oregano
• Low-Carb Option
  • Serve with roasted vegetables instead of grains
• Creamy Twist
  • Add a small splash of whole milk to the sauce after reducing

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, boneless thighs work very well.
2. Is balsamic chicken sweet or tangy?
   It’s a balanced mix of both.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, but it’s best served fresh.
4. Why sear the chicken first?
   It locks in flavor and adds texture.
5. Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
   Yes, both work equally well.
6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
   Yes, the flavors are mild and slightly sweet.
7. What side dishes pair well with this?
   Rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
8. Can I skip the cheese?
   Yes, it’s still delicious without mozzarella.
9. Why is my sauce too thin?
   Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
10. Can I double this recipe?
    Yes, use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding.

🏁 Conclusion

This one pan balsamic chicken is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a glossy balsamic glaze come together in a dish that feels elegant yet effortless.

Perfect for busy nights or special dinners, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal cleanup. Once you make it, it’s bound to become one of your most reliable easy chicken dinner recipes.

Adam

One Pan Balsamic Chicken – Juicy, Cheesy, and Bursting with Italian-Inspired Flavor

When dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and satisfying, One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the kind of recipe that saves the day. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts, sweet roasted tomatoes, fragrant basil, and melty fresh mozzarella — all coated in a glossy balsamic glaze that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes perfectly. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The balsamic vinegar reduces with honey and Dijon mustard to create a rich sauce that clings to the chicken, while the tomatoes burst and release their natural sweetness into the pan. This balsamic chicken recipe is ideal for: Busy weeknight dinners Family meals with minimal cleanup Meal prep with elegant flavor Anyone who loves one pan chicken recipes If you enjoy Italian-inspired dinners, easy skillet meals, and bold but balanced flavors, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Prepare and measure all ingredients before starting.

Protein

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

Fresh Ingredients

• 8 oz grape tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced or torn

For the Balsamic Sauce

• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt to taste
• Fresh black pepper to taste

Fats

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• 2 tablespoons oil for finishing, if needed

Ingredient Notes:

• Fresh mozzarella melts gently and adds creamy richness.
• Honey softens the acidity of balsamic vinegar for a balanced glaze.

Equipment

• To make perfect one pan balsamic chicken, you’ll need:
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula
• Lid or foil (optional)
• Tip: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet helps the sauce reduce evenly without burning.

Method

 

1. Follow these steps carefully for juicy, flavorful one pan balsamic chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with:
3. Kosher salt
4. Fresh black pepper
5. Italian seasoning

Step 2: Make the Balsamic Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
2. Balsamic vinegar
3. Honey
4. Dijon mustard
5. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken breasts in a single layer.
3. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside (do not fully cook yet).

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Add garlic to the skillet.
3. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Add grape tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes, until they begin to soften.

Step 5: Add the Balsamic Sauce

1. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce into the skillet.
2. Stir gently, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
3. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

1. Place chicken breasts back into the skillet.
2. Spoon sauce and tomatoes over the chicken.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Add Mozzarella

1. Turn off heat.
2. Place fresh mozzarella slices over each chicken breast.
3. Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, allowing cheese to melt gently.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

1. Sprinkle fresh basil over the dish.
2. Drizzle lightly with additional oil if desired.
3. Serve immediately.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat

Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed

Tip: Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and mozzarella soft.

🥄 Variations

Customize your one pan balsamic chicken with these delicious ideas:

Balsamic Chicken with Spinach

Add fresh spinach during the final simmer

Extra Sweet Glaze

Increase honey by 1 tablespoon

Herb-Forward Version

Add fresh thyme or oregano

Low-Carb Option

Serve with roasted vegetables instead of grains

Creamy Twist

Add a small splash of whole milk to the sauce after reducing

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work very well.

Is balsamic chicken sweet or tangy?
It’s a balanced mix of both.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh.

Why sear the chicken first?
It locks in flavor and adds texture.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Yes, both work equally well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and slightly sweet.

What side dishes pair well with this?
Rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, it’s still delicious without mozzarella.

Why is my sauce too thin?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding.

🏁 Conclusion

This one pan balsamic chicken is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a glossy balsamic glaze come together in a dish that feels elegant yet effortless.

Perfect for busy nights or special dinners, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal cleanup. Once you make it, it’s bound to become one of your most reliable easy chicken dinner recipes.